International Chemical Safety Cards

COBALT ICSC: 0782

COBALT
(powder)
Co
Atomic mass: 58.9
CAS # 7440-48-4
RTECS # GF8750000
ICSC # 0782

EC # 027-001-00-9
TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS 		PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Divided dust may ignite on contact with air or oxygen.
NO contact with strong oxidants.
Special powder, dry sand, NO other agents.
EXPLOSION Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.
Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.

EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE!

  • INHALATION
    		• Cough. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath.
    		Local exhaust or breathing protection.
    		Fresh air, rest.
  • SKIN
    		• Dry skin.
    		Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
    		Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
  • EYES
    		• Redness.
    		Face shield, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
    		First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
  • INGESTION
    		• Abdominal pain. Vomiting.
    		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
    		Rinse mouth. Give plenty of water to drink.
    SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
    Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. (extra personal protection: P3 filter respirator for toxic particles).
    		Separated from strong oxidants.

    Xn symbol
    R: 42/43
    S: (2-)22-24-37
    SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
    ICSC: 0782 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993 No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.

    International Chemical Safety Cards

    COBALT ICSC: 0782

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    PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
     ODOURLESS, SILVER-GRAY POWDER

    PHYSICAL DANGERS:

    CHEMICAL DANGERS:
     The substance may spontaneously ignite on contact with air, when finely divided. Reacts with strong oxidants (e.g. fused ammonium nitrate) causing fire and explosion hazard. Can promote decomposition of various organic substances.

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV: 0.02 mg/m3 (as TWA) A3 (ACGIH 1997).
    MAK: class III A2 (1996)
    OSHA PEL: TWA 0.1 mg/m3
    NIOSH REL: TWA 0.05 mg/m3
    NIOSH IDLH: 20 mg/m3 (as Co)


    		ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
     The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of dust and by ingestion.

    INHALATION RISK:
     Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

    EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
     Inhalation of dust may cause asthmatic reactions (see Notes).

    EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
     Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. Repeated or prolonged inhalation exposure may cause asthma. Lungs may be affected by repeated or prolonged exposure. The substance may have effects on the heart , resulting in cardiomyopathy. This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans.
    PHYSICAL
    PROPERTIES
    Boiling point: 2870°C
    Melting point: 1493°C
    		 Relative density (water = 1): 8.9
    Solubility in water: none
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
         		This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to aquatic organisms.
    N O T E S
    Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. The symptoms of asthma often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Anyone who has shown symptoms of asthma due to this substance should avoid all further contact with this substance. Do NOT take working clothes home. Aquacat, Super cobalt, cobalt-59, C.I.77320, NCI-C60311 are trade names.
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 0782 COBALT
    © IPCS, CEC, 1993
    IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.